Let's talk about one of the most under-the-radar billionaires in the world:
Brad Jacobs.
Brad has built 7 billion-dollar companies—including United Waste Systems and XPO Logistics.
Here's what sets him apart:
1️. Meetings
Brad holds active meetings that go beyond sharing information to pull out insights and generate new ideas.
• Prep: Everyone reviews agendas beforehand, making every meeting more than a routine check-in.
• Participation: Sparking new ideas through open dialogue—and even disagreements.
• Focus: Everyone must be present, not just accounted for. That means no devices allowed.
• Respect and Empathy: More than participants, Brad builds contributors by encouraging respectful and engaging discussion.
2️. Leadership DNA
For Brad, integrity, speed, and a focus on customer satisfaction are non-negotiable.
• Hiring - valuing character and integrity as much as (if not more than) skills and experience.
• Speed in execution - setting clear expectations for quick action, especially when integrating companies post-acquisition.
• Customer satisfaction - training sessions for customer service, as well as open communication between his team and their customers.
• Collaboration - open and respectful dialog within his team.
• Empowerment - delegating and encouraging autonomous decision making, all of which boosts ownership and accountability.
• Continuous improvement - to keep up with a changing market and stay ahead of competitors.
3. Arbitrage
Much of Brad's success comes from his eye for inefficiencies in markets—from oil to waste management, and beyond.
• Research and analysis - He looks for markets that are large yet fragmented, with small players. He finds inefficiencies in resource utilization, pricing, or service offerings.
• Scalability and synergies - His acquisitions are strategic, so that each integrates with existing operations. That synergy creates economies of scale and enhances the overall value prop.
• Technology - By implementing advanced IT systems, especially in less tech-savvy industries, he streamlines operations, boosts efficiency and reduces costs.
• Operations - He optimizes every aspect of a business—from logistics to customer service—to improve operational efficiency.
• M&A - He seeks out companies that are undervalued due to inefficiencies, and swiftly integrates and optimizes them to unlock value.
4. M&A
• Integration - “ripping off the Band-Aid” to merge companies, unifying business systems (CRM, ERP, HR, etc), and aligning company cultures
• Optimization - streamlining processes, eliminating redundancies, tracking key metrics, and finding cost savings
• Scaling - exploring new markets, strengthening existing markets, and using size as leverage in negotiations
Brad's playbook offers invaluable lessons:
Think strategically, act decisively, and lead with integrity.
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Great read! Thanks for sharing, Anshul Sheopuri.